Apparatus for electrolytic refining of copper



April 21,1970 c. G. FLEMING 3,507,770

APPARATUS FOR ELECTROLYTIC REFINING OF COPPER Char/es 6. Fleming INVENTOR.

APPARATUS FOR ELECTROLYTIC REFINING OF COPPER April 21, 1970 c. G.FLEMING 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 8, 1967 Charles G. FlemingIINVENTORV I 9 BY WW April 21, 1970 v c. (5. FLEMING 3,507,770

APPARATUS FOR ELECTROLYTIC REFINING OF COPPER Filed Dec. 8, 1967 5Sheets-Sheet 3 Charles '6. Fleming INVENTOR.

Anomqs United States Patent US. Cl. 204-272 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A method of electrolytically refining copper bearing ore andother ores bearing metallic components amenable to electrolyticdeposition. The ore to be refined is placed in suspension in anelectrolytic bath provided with a vertically disposed cylindricalcathode which remains stationary relative to a receptacle for theore-electrolyte system. The apparatus utilized is provided with anodemeans disposed both interiorly and exteriorly of the cylindricalcathode. The method of the present invention provides for a rapid rateof deposition of the metallic component desired by providing electrolyteagitator means disposed both interiorly and exteriorly of the fixedcylindrical cathode means moving relative to the electrodes. Theutilization of the electrolyte agitator means permits the imposing of asubstantially higher current density within the electrolytic bath thanwould be possible were the electrolyte to remain relatively quiescent.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for theelectrolytic refining of ore. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a method and apparatus for the more efficient refining ofmetal bearing ores amenable to electrolytic deposition. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor the direct, efficient, economical production of metallic sheetmaterial in an electrolytic apparatus.

Numerous electrolytic apparatuses have been propesd heretofore forrecovering the metallic content of ores. However, many such apparatusesare characterized by inherent operational or constructional deficiencieswhich render them unsuitable for the efficient, economical refining ofores for the recovery of the metallic component thereof.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novelmethod and apparatus for the efiicient, economical recovery of themetallic content of ores in sheet form.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method forthe electrolytic refining of ores wherein an ore-electrolyte system issubjected to agitation by means disposed interiorly and exteriorly of avertically disposed cylindrical cathode.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novelapparatus for the electrolytic refining of ore, and particularly copperbearing ore, wherein the metallic component being recovered iselectrolytically deposited upon a cylindrical cathode drum formed ofstainless steel sheet material.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novelelectrolytic refining apparatus of the aforementioned type wherein theelectrolytically deposited sheet material consisting of the metalliccontent of the ore can be recovered from the electrolytic apparatuswithout removal of the cylindrical stainless steel cathode upon which itis deposited.

Still a further object of the present invention is the provision ofnon-electrically conductive strips or split tubes to define the finishededges of the sheets desired during electrolytic deposition thereof.

3,507,770 Patented Apr. 21, 1970 Still a further object of the presentinvention involves the utilization of a pulsating current input to anelectrolytic cell of the aforementioned construction so as to allow muchhigher amperage input per square foot, i.e., current density, thanpossible with electrolytic apparatuses of somewhat analogousconstruction proposed heretofore.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of anelectrolytic apparatus constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatusof FIGURE 1 taken substantially along the plane of the line 22 of FIGURE1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view of certaindetails of an interior anode means of the device of FIGURE 1 takensubstantially along the plane of the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view takensubstantially along the plane of the line 44 of FIGURE 1 and showingcertain constructional details of an exteriorly disposed anode meansprovided in the exemplary device of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a cylindrical agitator means rotatablymounted interiorly of a cylindrical cathode means provided in theapparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary cylindrical cathodefixedly mounted within the apparatus of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a rotatably mounted cylindricalagitator operatively disposed exteriorly of the cylindrical cathode ofFIGURE 6.

Briefly, the method of the present invention provides for the efiicient,economical production of metallic sheet material directly from ametallic component that can be electrolytically deposited from an orebearing such metallic component by the utilization of an electrolyticapparatus having a vertically disposed cylindrical stainless steel fixedcathode and rotatably journaled electrolyte agitators disposedinteriorly and exteriorly of the cylindrical cathode and including fixedanode means mounted interiorly and exteriorly of the rotatably journaledagitators.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, and more particularlyFIGURES l and 2, it will be seen that the exemplary electrolyticapparatus indicated genera ly at 10 therein includes a generallycylindrical tank means 12 including a sidewall 14 and bottom wall 16. Atank bottom liner 18 formed of a non-electrically conductive material,such as polystyrene foam for example, provides a non-electricallyconductive support for a generally cylindrical or tubular cathode meansindicated at 20 upon which the metallic component of an ore to berefined is deposited. The electrolytic apparatus 10 further includesinteriorly disposed anode means 22 and exteriorly disposed anode means24. For purposes of discussion herein it will be understood that theanode means 22 and 24 are referred to as being disposed interiorly andexteriorly of the generally cylindrical cathode means 20. Rotor meansindicated generally at 26 is rotatably journaled within the tank means12, in a manner to be described in greater detail hereinafter. The rotormeans 26 includes a pair of generally cylindrical members 28 and 30mounted for concentric rotation relative to the cylindrical cathodemeans 20. The interiorly disposed cylindrical member 28 is operativelypositioned radially spaced from or intermediate the interior surface ofthe cathode means 20 and the interior anode means 22 while theexteriorly disposed cylindrical member 30 is operatively positionedintermediate the exterior surface of the cylindrical cathode means 20and the exterior anode means 24.

Referring now in greater detail to the constructional features of theexemplary embodiment 10 illustrated, it will be seen that the upperportion of the tank 12 is provided with a support and rotary journalingmeans indicated generally at 32 which includes an elongated stationarybridge member 34 having downturned edge portions 36 adapted to removablyposition the agitator support and journal means 32 on the upper rollededge 38 of the sidewall 14 of the tank means 12. The support means 32further includes an upstanding journal support member 40 fixed to thebridge member 34 and provided with a journal means 42 concentricallydisposed relative to a second journal means 44 carried by the bridgemember 34. A vertically disposed shaft 46 is rotatably journaled withinthe journal means 42 and 44, which in the embodiment illustratedcomprise anti-friction bearings, and upon the end of the shaft by meansof keyed hub 48 is nonrotatably mounted the rotatably journaled agitatormeans 26 which includes a rotatably journaled bridge member 50 providedwith integral downturned annular portions 52 and 54 to which areremovably secured the interior cylindrical member 28 and the exteriorcylindrical member 30, respectively. The rotor means 26 is rotated at aselectively variable r.p.m. by drive means 56 including a drive sheave58, keyed to the upper portion of the shaft 46 and driven by a drivebelt 60 driven by a suitable source of power, such an electric motor,etc., not shown. To ensure that electrolyte within the tank means 12does not remain quiescent adjacent the upper surface of the bottom liner18, a pair of annular recesses indicated at 19 are provided in the uppersurface of the liner 18 for the reception of the lower edge portions ofthe interior and exterior members 28 and 30 respectively. As indicatedgenerally at 21 the liner 18 is further provided with tank drain meansincluding conduits in communication with both the upper surface of theliner 18 and the annular recesses 19 therein, so as to permit completedrainage of electrolyte from within the tank means 12 as required.

With further regard to the cylindrical members 28 and 30, and as will bebest appreciated from the perspective views thereof comprising FIGURESand 7, respectively, the interiorly disposed member 28 includesagitating fin means 62 including is imperforate except for apertures 64and wherein agitating fins are formed by inwardly and outwardly struckportions thereof. More particularly, as best appreciated from asimultaneous consideration of FIGURES 1 and 5, the member 28 is providedwith vertically disposed generally straight agitating fins 66 disposedexteriorly and interiorly, which in the embodiment shown is providedwith four such agitator fins. The agitator fins 66 are alternated with aplurality of vertically disposed angulated agitator fins 68 alsodisposed interiorly and exteriorly of the member 28. The exteriorlydisposed member 30 is provided with a plurality of vertically disposedstraight agitator fins 70 generally formed by inwardly struck-outportions of the member 30, the inwardly striking of which also assistsin forming apertures 72 therein. However, the fins 70 of the exteriorlydisposed member 30 are only situated on the inner side thereof.Furthermore, the member 30 is provided with a plurality of verticallydisposed angulated agitator fins 74 generally disposed only on theexterior of the member 30. It will be appreciated that the members 28and 30 are normally rotated in a counterclockwise direction, asillustrated, whereby the agitator fins 66, 68, 70 and 74 impart a highlydesirable, beneficial movement to an electrolyte within the tank 12which is normally maintained to or at a maximum level indicatedgenerally at 80 in phantom lines in FIGURE 2.

Referring now in greater detail to the generally cylindrical cathodemeans 20 and as best appreciated from a consideration of FIGURE 6, thecathode 20 includes a pair of vertically and oppositely opposed channelmembers 82 having opposed vertical grooves therein to retainably receivethe opposed edge portions of two sheets 84 of stainless steel which whenso received cooperate to form a generally cylindrical member. Thechannel members 82 are preferably formed of a non-electrical conductivematerial, i.e., a natural or synthetic resinous substance, for example,so as to preclude the deposition of metal contiguous therewith. Inaddition, the cylindrical cathode 20 may further be provided with aplurality of non-electrically conductive strips, such as the verticallydisposed strips 86, for example, disposed both on the interior andexterior of the stainless steel sheets 84. The positioning of the strips86 is merely illustrative and it will be understood that inasmuch as thepresence of the strips 86 precludes the deposition of metal at pointscontiguous there-with the configuration, size, etc., of metallic sheetsformed on the cathode 20 may be predetermined by the preselectedpositioning of the strips 86. Thus, it will be appreciated that thestrips 86 may be disposed vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc, Asseen best in FIG- URE 2, the cathode 20 is preferably sized so as toproject upwardly a short distance above the normal high level mark ofelectrolyte within the tank 12, which configuration is preferred toassist in facilitating the stripping of metallic sheets 90 depositedthereon, as seen in FIGURE 2. The cathode 30 is operatively connected toa suitable source of electrical current by the conductor leads 92 whichpass upwardly through the bottom wall 16 and liner 18 of the tank 12 andare connected to the cathode 20 by suitable means as at 94 which do notinterfere with the smooth arcuate inner and outer surfaces of the areaof the cathode upon which metal 90 is to be deposited for the formationof sheet material.

Referring now in greater detail to the constructional details of theinterior and exterior anode means 22 and 24 respectively, and as bestseen from a simultaneous consideration of FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, theexteriorly disposed anode means 24 comprises a plurality ofsubstantially insoluble elongated vertically disposed anodes 96 eachinsulatively mounted relative to the tank wall 14 by a non-electricallyconductive insulator 98 and connected in parallel electrical relation byan annular bus bar 100 appropriately mounted to the wall 14 of the tank12 by a continuous or intermittent insulator 102, as seen in FIGURE 2.

With regard to the interior anode means 22 it will be seen that itincludes a generally hollow upstanding post 104 appropriately sealedagainst the entry of electrolyte thereinto, and provided with aplurality of vertically disposed elongated radially spaced interioranodes 106 insulatively mounted on the post 104 by appropriateinsulators 108 interposed between the interior anodes 106 and the post104. The interiorly disposed anodes 106 are electrically connected inparallel by the branched electrical lead 110. Thus, it will beappreciated that the exterior anode members 96 and interior anodemembers 106 are connected in parallel electrical relation.

Thus, by locating the anodes both interiorly and exteriorly of thecylindrical cathode 20 it is possible to double the production of anelectrolytic cell, such as the exemplary cell 10, constructed inaccordance with this invention inasmuch as both the interior andexterior surfaces of the cathode have the metallic component of the orebeing refined being deposited thereon.

Although the specific apparatus involved in supplying electrical energyto the respective anodes and cathodes of the exemplary cell 10 does notcomprise a novel portion of this invention, it has been found preferableto utilize AJC. current converted to full wave DC. by means oftransistor rectifiers and wherein the DC. current is pulsated as it isconducted along paths extending through the openings 64 and 72 in therotating members 28 and 30. While tests conducted have not shown themaximum amperage usable it has been determined that an electrolytic cellconstructed in accordance with this invention may be expeditiouslyoperated at a current density of 300 amps., i.e. 300 a'mperes per squarefoot of cathode surface and wherein the higher amperage used the greaterthe deposition of metal per unit of time With more specific regard tothe method of the present invention, from the foregoing it will beappreciated that the introduction of a copper sulfate-sulfuric acidelectrolyte, for example, into the tank 12 to the level indicated at 80,followed by the continuous agitation thereof by the agitator means 26, ahigh current density can be imposed on the cell as briefly discussedhereinabove. It will be appreciated, that the cell 10 is also preferablyprovided with safety cutolf switch means, not shown, to cut off suchelectrical input should agitation of the electrolyte cease due to amalfunction of the agitator drive means. Furthermore, it has been founddesirable to alter the rpm. of the rotor means 26 proportionally withthe current density imposed on the cell 10. Thus, from the foregoing, itwill be appreciated that the method of the present invention utilizesapertured members 28 and 30 respectively through which electrolyticcurrent paths are established to maintain sufiicient agitation ofelectrolyte within the cell 10 to permit substantially nonburningdeposition of a metallic component of the electrolyte on the cylindricalcathode 20.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that an electrolytic cellconstructed, and operated, in accordance with the method of the presentinvention, provides a faster, less expensive means of producing sheetmetals by the utilization of current densities substantially in excessof that utilized heretofore. In addition, metal bearing ore may bedirectly reduced with the attendant saving of smeltering, rolling, etc.costs and wherein metallic sheet material of desired size and thicknessmay be produced in an electrolytic apparatus wherein the necessity forcontinual replacement of anodes and cathodes is greatly reduced.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and method described, andaccordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An apparatus for recovering the metallic content of ores comprisingan electrolyte receiving tank means, a vertically disposed generallycylindrical stationary cathode means mounted in said tank means,stationary anode means mounted within said tank means interiorly andexteriorly of the interior and exterior surfaces of said generallycylindrical cathode means, and rotor means operatively positionedradially spaced between the cathode and anode means within said tankmeans for movement relative to said cathode means and said anode meansand means mounted by the rotor means for establishing current pathsthrough the electrolyte which is maintained in motion relative to theinterior and exterior surfaces of said generally cylindrical cathodemeans.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotor means includes agitatorsupport and journaling means carried by the upper portion of said tankmeans, and first and second generally cylindrical apertured membersrotatably carried by said agitator support and journaling means forrotary movement about a vertical axis generally concentric with saidgenerally cylindrical stationary cathode means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first agitator member isoperatively positioned intermediate said interiorly disposed anode andthe interior surface of said generally cylindrical cathode, andsaidsecond agitator member being operatively positioned intermediatesaid exteriorly disposed anode means and the exterior surface of saidgenerally cylindrical stationary cathode means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein each agitator member comprises agenerally cylindrical member provided with a plurality of throughapertures and including interiorly and exteriorly disposed integralagitator fins.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said agitator fins are disposedgenerally normal to the interior and exterior surfaces of said agitatormember and are disposed axially of said agitator member, said agitatorfins terminating intermediate the upper and lower ends of said agitatormembers.

6. Apparatus for electrolytically recovering metal on a tubular cathodehaving interior and exterior surfaces, comprising a tank adapted tocontain an electrolyte, a bottom liner in tne tank fixedly supportingthe cathode therein, anode means fixedly mounting by the tank radiallyinward of and radially outward of the cathode for conducting current tothe electrolyte in contact with said surfaces of the cathode, rotormeans rotatably mounted within the tank in enclosing relation to thecathode having angularly spaced openings through which current isconducted by the electrolyte to the surfaces of the cathode, and meansfor imparting rotation to the rotor means relative to the anode meansand the cathode.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the bottom liner is provided withannular grooves receiving the rotor means in con-conductive relation tothe cathode.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said rotor means includes a pairof generally cylindrical members radially spaced inwardly and outwardlyof the surfaces on the cathode and electrolyte agitating fins projectingfrom the members adjacent to the openings therein.

9. The combination of claim 6 wherein said rotor means includes a pairof generally cylindrical members radially spaced inwardly and outwardlyof the surfaces on the cathode and. electrolyte agitating finsprojecting from the members adjacent to the openings therein.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,440,091 12/1922 Long 2042721,959,531 5/1934 Hickman et a] 204-273 2,015,304 9/1935 Frase 2042732,364,564 12/1944 Strickland et al. 204-272 JOHN H. MACK, PrimaryExaminer D. R. JORDAN, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 204-106, 273

